Snooker legend Stephen Hendry stunned fans and family alike when he ended his 19-year marriage to Amanda Hart, revealing he had fallen for Lauren Thundow—a woman 19 years younger. This sensational break from tradition saw one of snooker’s favourite stars and a pundit for the BBC, face public and personal upheaval.
Hendry, famed for his prowess on the green baize, seems to have taken risks not just on the snooker table. His 2018 autobiography, “Me and The Table”, details a poignant scene where he divulged the split during a car ride. The shocking news came out when Amanda demanded to know what had been troubling him. The revelation, which saw Amanda’s world turn upside down, eventually led to tears and a late-night conversation deciding Stephen should move out.
Meeting against the vibrant backdrop of a snooker exhibition, Stephen first encountered Lauren when she was selling merchandise. Their innocent exchanges evolved into a significant connection, and Stephen, who admits to being quite shy, gradually found himself unable to resist the chemistry they shared.
Stephen and Amanda met as teenagers and shared years of highs and lows together, raising two sons before parting ways in 2014. Yet, while his personal life saw headlines, Stephen’s professional triumphs also demand attention. Hendry was never able to capture a title in Belfast, as fellow player Jack Lisowski recently did at the Northern Ireland Open.
Retiring from competitive play in 2012 (with a brief return before his final departure in 2024), Hendry balances his time with broadcasting gigs, podcasts, and sharing snooker insights on his YouTube channel.
Despite the personal storms, it’s clear that both Stephen and Amanda have taken steps to move forward. Stephen continues to find joy with Lauren, as his life unfolds in new, unexpected directions after decades in the public eye.